EEL RIVER ESTUARY PRESERVE
The southern estuary of the Eel River in Humboldt County contains a diverse array of habitats and a grand arena of life. This 1,300-acre property includes tidal wetlands, a freshwater marsh, sand dunes, grass lands, beach frontage and a spectacular half-moon bay on the Eel River. Wildlife includes river otters, harbor seals, tundra swans, bald eagles, egrets, herons, salmon and steelhead trout. The grasslands on the Preserve are a winter refuge for tens of thousands of Aleutian geese. These magnificent migrating geese were once headed toward extinction when the fur industry introduced foxes that preyed upon them on the Aleutian Islands. The practice has since ceased, aiding the geese’s recovery.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
PRESERVE ACCESS
Reservations are required at least 24 hours before your visit.
Ranger tours are available upon request!
THINGS TO DO
AMENITIES
AMENTITIES COMING SOON.
CALL FOR INFORMATION.
PROHIBITIONS
SAFETY
LEAVE NO TRACE
Pack it in, Pack it out.
Take any trash you make with you.
Leave What You Find.
Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them.
Respect Wildlife.
Learn about wildlife through quiet observation. Do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a “better look.” Observe wildlife from a distance so they are not scared or forced to flee.
Be Considerate of Others.
One of the most important components of outdoor ethics is to maintain courtesy toward other visitors. It helps everyone enjoy their outdoor experience.
Principles courtesy of Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
RESOURCES
CONSERVATION OUTCOMES
The southern estuary was identified in 1974 as the California’s Department of Fish and Wildlife’s top priority for the Eel River. This property was purchased in 2008 when it became The Wildlands Conservancy’s “bully pulpit” for salmon recovery throughout the Eel River’s 3,200-square-mile watershed. The Eel River was once widely known as one of the best salmon fisheries in North America. Conservation agencies recognize removing the properties manmade dikes for tidal inundation will make hundreds of acres of elaborate waterways vital for the holdover and recovery of juvenile salmon. Wildlands is currently in the engineering phase with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and neighboring ranchers to restore tidal waterways while protecting prime agricultural lands.
